Purpose

The Council has been contacted by the Police and Ward Members who have requested that consideration be given to the introduction of parking restrictions to address the access and road safety issues on John Gilbert Way, Europa Gate/Access to World Freight Centre, Pomona Strand, Cornbrook Road, Westinghouse Road, Fraser Place, Europa Circle & Europa Way.

These locations experience high levels of parking demand associated with commuter activity and, significantly, during event periods at the nearby stadium. On match and event days, the surrounding highway network experiences substantial congestion and increased parking demand, with vehicles frequently parking in an obstructive manner on carriageways and footways. This results in obstruction, reduced visibility, and restricted access for all road users, including service and emergency vehicles. Even vehicles waiting for a limited duration, for instance for loading/unloading, can result in prolonged occupation of the highway, contributing to congestion, obstruction, and reduced network efficiency.

The proposals seek to introduce ‘No Waiting at Any Time’, ‘No Waiting & No Loading at Any Time’ and ‘No Stopping at Any Time’ restrictions to deter inconsiderate and obstructive parking, to improve access, visibility, and the safe operation of the highway network for all road users. The inclusion of loading restrictions is necessary to prevent obstruction on these key routes.

In addition, the ongoing development on Cornbrook Road will require a further review of the Traffic Regulation Order on completion of construction, to enable suitable arrangements for drop-off and lay-by servicing. No completion dates for these works have yet been confirmed.

The proposals are shown on drawings numbered E9405-01 - E9405-08 and detailed in the schedules within this report.

Decision

1. That authorisation be given to advertise the intention to introduce the Traffic Regulation Order as detailed in Schedules to the report and that, if no objections are maintained, the Order be made and implemented in whole or in part, as soon as is practicable.
2. That any objections maintained be reported back for consideration

Reasons for the decision

It is recommended that, in the interests of maintaining access, improving road safety and visibility, and addressing obstructive parking associated with commuter activity and event-day demand, approval is given to advertise the intention to introduce the Traffic Regulation Order as detailed in the Schedules. The proposed restrictions will assist in preventing obstruction of the carriageway and footways, improving the efficient operation of the highway network and supporting effective enforcement.

The proposals are shown on drawings numbered E9405-01 to E9405-08 appended to this report.

Alternative options considered

None.